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April 25, 2008 at 12:00 AM EDT

• 124 FAIRVIEW AVE.
• ASKING PRICE: $625,000
• SELLING PRICE: $758,000
• TAXES: $4,247 (2008)
• LOT SIZE: 28 by 118 feet
• DAYS ON THE MARKET: 12
• LISTING AGENT: Nutan Brown, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

There are several reasons why this 2-1/2-storey duplex attracted nine offers and sold for $133,000 above asking, but its location on a quiet, tree-lined street in Bloor West Village and its move-in condition were major factors, agent Nutan Brown says.

"It's a fabulous neighbourhood and street," she explains. "[And] it was very tastefully and thoughtfully renovated."

Over the past few years, the previous owner increased the property's value by having the grounds professionally landscaped, and adding "a fabulous and very funky garage" that accommodates two cars and a workshop, Ms. Brown adds.

The owner lived in the suite that takes up the second and third floors. It features a renovated eat-in kitchen, which boasts new stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops and a deep sink with gooseneck taps.

"The things people are looking for in a high-end kitchen were certainly there," Ms. Brown says.

The unit also has a living room, full bathroom, and a carpeted sunroom with built-in bookcases.

The third level is taken up by a two-piece bathroom and two bedrooms, one of which opens to a deck.

The ground-floor unit, which has rented for about $800 a month, includes a bedroom with a gas fireplace, a four-piece bathroom, and a living room with stained-glass windows and built-in shelves. Its kitchen features ceramic floors and a walkout to a patio.

All the hardwood flooring — in the bedroom and living room on the main floor and the bedrooms, living room and kitchen of the owner's suite — was refinished.

There is a separate entrance to the basement but it is unfinished.

June 20, 2008 at 12:31 PM EDT

• 416 Clendenan Ave.
• Asking price: $459,000
• Selling price: $531,500
• Taxes: $2,508 (2007)
• Lot size: 18 by 100 feet
• Days on the market: eight
• Listing agent: Nutan Brown, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

A pair of "property virgins" to appear on the television series of the same name were among many young house-hunters who put in offers for this unique Victorian, agent Nutan Brown says.

"Although it's a semi and a traditional size in terms of its width, it is exceptionally deep," she says. "At the back, there [is] parking for two cars and a lovely courtyard."

From there, a mudroom with tiled floors and cupboards offers quick access to the three-bedroom brick residence. "[The sellers] rarely come through the front door," Ms. Brown notes.

But the most memorable space, the agent says, is the kitchen, which was renovated to include granite countertops, custom cabinetry and a breakfast bar by the window. It's equipped with stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range.

"I've yet to see a kitchen like that in a detached home, semi, or anything in that price range," the agent says.

French doors separate the living and dining rooms, both of which have crown moulding and hardwood flooring. A main-level bathroom contains a claw-foot tub.

The bedrooms are on the second floor, along with a second bathroom to which cork flooring and pot lights were added a few years ago.

Both the main and second floors have 9-1/2-foot ceilings. "There are good-sized rooms, but [the ceilings give] them a more spacious feel," Ms. Brown says.

Nearby amenities include schools, a park and pool.

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June 20, 2008

30 Government Rd.

Asking price: $735,000

Selling price: $715,000

Taxes: $3,625 (2007)

Lot size: 50 by 122 feet

Days on the market: eight

Co-op agent: Nutan Brown, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

In a residential pocket near Dundas Street and Royal York Road, this more than 135-year-old farmhouse is listed as a heritage property by the city of Toronto, but since it's not officially designated as such, it could be torn down.

The latter option might be desirable for some, agent Nutan Brown explains, but her client can see potential in the house despite its aging appearance.

"The architect who purchased this very historically significant property in the Kingsway saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community by restoring and preserving it to its original beauty and integrity," Ms. Brown says.

The house was constructed circa 1871 on a different street facing the Humber River but was later relocated to its current address a bit farther away from the river.

"They moved it 200 or 300 feet," the agent says.

The main floor includes the living room, and a kitchen with a side entrance. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms with broadloom and a four-piece bathroom. A three-piece bathroom can be found in the unfinished basement.

About 40 years ago, the two-storey plan was expanded to include a separate one-level suite at the back, which is "not that common, especially in that area where it's mostly single-family homes," Ms. Brown adds.

June 20, 2008

442 Armadale Ave.

Asking price: $539,900

Selling price: $610,442

Taxes: $3,667 (2007)

Lot size: 25 by 109 feet

Days on the market: six

Co-op agent: Nutan Brown, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

Given the great popularity of Bloor West Village, agent Nutan Brown warned her clients that they would likely have to get into a bidding war for this detached, two-storey residence.

As it turned out, they were up against two other interested parties. Because the house was larger and more central than their semi-detached dwelling on the perimeter of the community, they offered a $70,542 premium.

"It was really a well-maintained and well-looked-after home," Ms. Brown says of the dwelling built in the 1930s or 1940s. "But it just needs to be updated to today's standards and tastes."

Among the more recent improvements: The windows, roof and wiring were replaced over the past four years, while hardwood floors and oak doors and trim were installed in the three bedrooms upstairs last year.

There is an enclosed porch, and formal living and dining rooms with double doors between them. The kitchen features parquet floors and a walkout to a deck, the backyard, and a garage that exits out a rear lane.

The main bathroom is on the second floor, and a three-piece is located in the basement, which also has a recreation room and separate entrance.

June 27, 2008

684 Windermere Ave.

Asking price: $599,000

Selling price: $688,684

Taxes: $4,094 (2007)

Lot size: 26 by 114 feet

Days on the market: six

Listing agent: Nutan Brown, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

During the fall and spring, many properties in Bloor West Village are the object of bidding wars and sell for more than the asking price.

This two-storey, brick house is a prime example, attracting half a dozen offers from families and young professionals, according to agent Nutan Brown says.

"It's in the heart of Bloor West Village on a lovely street," she says.

"The house itself is a very traditional Bloor West Village home with lovely woodwork, hardwood floors, windows and front porch."

Because of improvements to the roughly 70-year-old home, however, it generated a higher-than-average premium of nearly $90,000, Ms. Brown says.

"[The owners] updated and renovated it so it appealed to the masses."

The biggest change was made in the kitchen about 15 years ago. A half wall with ledge was created, low enough so you can see into the dining room, yet tall enough to hide dishes on the counter, the agent explains.

An addition put on the back created space for a breakfast nook.

There also is a walkout to a secluded backyard patio and detached garage situated near the end of a rear laneway. "It's great because it's paved, so the kids can play out there without a lot of worry," Ms. Brown points out.

Rounding out the main floor is the living room with French doors that open to the dining room and foyer.

Upstairs are the home's three bedrooms, a full bathroom and an office with broadloom.

A play area, recreation room and powder room are located in the professionally finished basement, which has above-grade windows and a separate entrance.

The furnace, hot water tank and alarm system are rented.

8 BABY POINT RD.

Asking price: $1,195,000

Selling price: $1,216,000

Taxes: $5,816 (2007)

Lot size: 36 by 145 feet

Days on the market: nine

Listing agent: Nutan Brown, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

Located in the exclusive Baby Point community, this two-storey residence built in the 1930s attracted two bidders, agent Nutan Brown says, and sold at a modest premium of $21,000, largely because of its square footage.

While in that "general area of Baby Point ... homes are still substantial in size, with beautiful work and detail," Ms. Brown explains, this three-bedroom dwelling is a spacious 2,800 square feet because of a large addition on the back.

Completed within the past five years, the addition spans the two floors plus a basement with raised ceilings.

The new space on the main floor accommodates a combined kitchen and family room.

The cooking area contains an island, gas fireplace and stainless-steel appliances, including an eight-burner stove and wall oven.

"The kitchen probably had the biggest 'wow' factor," the agent says. Part of the original brick exterior wall and window was preserved in the kitchen, she notes. "That was a really charming feature."

The new woodwork in the house, including the hardwood flooring and built-in features, matches the existing woodwork.

Completing the main level are traditional living and dining rooms and a powder room. The living room is distinguished by a wood-burning fireplace and French doors that open to the dining area, which features wainscotting and leaded-glass windows.

All the bedrooms are upstairs, including a master suite with a gas fireplace, as well as access to a wide balcony and full bathroom, complete with heated floors. One of the secondary bedrooms also opens to that balcony. A laundry room rounds out the level.

The lower level has its own entrance, kitchen and full bathroom, plus a gym and recreation room.

A long driveway leads to a double garage.

September 5, 2008 at 10:59 AM EDT

• 135 Glendonwynne Rd.
• Asking price: $739,000
• Selling price: $690,000
• Taxes: $4,025 (2007)
• Lot size: 30 by 106 feet
• Days on the market: 16
• Buyer's agent: Nutan Brown, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

This majestic four-bedroom home in Bloor West Village had been owned by the same family for more than 40 years. Even though most of the house has not been renovated, it has been well-maintained, and is attractive in its original condition.

"It's a solid old house — in a great location — with good bones," says agent Nutan Brown, who represented the buyer.

Its location — just three blocks from Bloor Street and High Park, in a quiet and leafy enclave with winding streets — was the real drawing card for the buyer.

But the house itself has a lot going for it — including traditional wood trim, wainscotting and the original gumwood floors.

The living room features a stone fireplace encased in a wood mantel with built-in, glass-door shelves on each side.

The eat-in kitchen opens to a quiet, shaded deck, while two of the four bedrooms on the second floor have French doors.

There are two bathrooms in the house.

A private lane leads to a detached two-car garage.